WW-Friendly Strawberry Dole Whip Recipe: A Light and Refreshing Dessert

Introduction

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting the iconic Dole Whip at Disneyland or any other theme park, you know it’s a deliciously creamy, sweet treat that’s hard to resist. But if you’re trying to stay on track with your Weight Watchers (WW) plan, indulging in such high-calorie, high-SmartPoints desserts can feel like a challenge. Fortunately, we’ve got a WW-friendly Strawberry Dole Whip recipe that delivers the same refreshing, creamy goodness as the original, but with far fewer SmartPoints.

This recipe takes inspiration from the classic Dole Whip, with a healthy twist that’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a frozen dessert without the guilt. It’s a quick and easy treat that can be made in minutes, using simple ingredients that are low in SmartPoints. Whether you’re craving something cool and refreshing during the hot summer months or you want a fun dessert to serve at a gathering, this WW-friendly Strawberry Dole Whip will not disappoint.

WW SmartPoints Breakdown

For anyone following the Weight Watchers program, SmartPoints are a key factor in determining how to enjoy food while maintaining a balanced diet. Here is the SmartPoints breakdown for each serving of this Strawberry Dole Whip, based on the following ingredients:

  • Green Plan: 2 SmartPoints per serving
  • Blue Plan: 2 SmartPoints per serving
  • Purple Plan: 1 SmartPoint per serving

This dessert is low in points, thanks to smart ingredient substitutions. Using fat-free Greek yogurt and frozen strawberries keeps it light and creamy without the heavy calories or added sugars typically found in traditional ice cream.

Ingredients

This simple, WW-friendly Strawberry Dole Whip only requires a few basic ingredients. Let’s look at each one and how it contributes to the overall lightness and flavor of the dessert.

For the Strawberry Dole Whip:

  • 2 cups frozen strawberries – Frozen strawberries are the star of this dish, providing a sweet, tangy base that’s both refreshing and satisfying. They also give the dessert its vibrant pink color. You can use fresh strawberries, but freezing them first ensures a thicker, creamier texture.
  • 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt – Greek yogurt adds a smooth, creamy texture while keeping the calorie count low. It’s a great source of protein, which helps make this dessert more filling. Choose fat-free Greek yogurt to keep the SmartPoints as low as possible.
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk – This light, plant-based milk adds creaminess without adding extra calories. You can substitute with any other milk (like skim milk) if you prefer, but almond milk is the most common low-calorie choice.
  • 1 tablespoon honey or zero-calorie sweetener – This adds just a touch of sweetness to the dish. You can use honey for a natural sweetener or choose a zero-calorie sweetener like Stevia if you want to cut back on the sugar and points even more.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – The vanilla enhances the flavor of the strawberries, giving the dessert a more complex, balanced taste.
  • A pinch of salt – A tiny pinch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness and enhances the natural flavors of the strawberries.

Instructions: How to Make WW-Friendly Strawberry Dole Whip

Making this light version of the classic Strawberry Dole Whip is quick and easy. Here are the step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the process.

1. Prepare the Ingredients

First, gather all your ingredients. If you haven’t done so already, freeze the strawberries beforehand. You can either use fresh strawberries that have been washed and frozen for at least a few hours, or buy pre-frozen strawberries to save time.

Next, measure out the Greek yogurt, almond milk, and honey.

2. Blend the Ingredients Together

In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the frozen strawberries, Greek yogurt, almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract. Add a pinch of salt to help bring out the flavors.

Start blending on low speed, gradually increasing the speed as the mixture begins to break down. You’ll want to blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, with a consistency similar to soft-serve ice cream. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a bit more almond milk to help it blend more easily, but be careful not to add too much, as it could thin out the consistency.

3. Taste and Adjust Sweetness

Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, give it a quick taste. If it needs a bit more sweetness, add another teaspoon of honey or a little more zero-calorie sweetener, depending on your preference. Blend again to mix in the sweetener.

4. Serve Immediately

For the best texture, it’s recommended to serve the Strawberry Dole Whip immediately after blending. The dessert should have a soft-serve-like consistency, and it will be smooth, creamy, and refreshing.

Scoop the Strawberry Dole Whip into bowls or cones. You can top it with some fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or even a few sprinkles of coconut flakes or chocolate chips if you want to add a little extra flavor or texture.

5. Optional Freezing

If you prefer a firmer texture or want to store the dessert for later, you can freeze the Strawberry Dole Whip for about an hour. This will make it slightly firmer, but it will still maintain a creamy, frozen consistency. Just be sure to let it soften for a few minutes before serving if it becomes too hard.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here is the nutritional breakdown for each serving of this WW-friendly Strawberry Dole Whip (about 1/2 cup per serving):

  • Calories: 80 kcal
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugar: 12g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • SmartPoints:
    • Green Plan: 2 SmartPoints
    • Blue Plan: 2 SmartPoints
    • Purple Plan: 1 SmartPoint

Helpful Tips for Customization

1. Use Different Fruits

If you want to switch up the flavor, you can use other frozen fruits like mango, pineapple, or blueberries to create different variations of this Dole Whip. Just remember that adding sweeter fruits like mango will increase the natural sugar content slightly.

2. Adjust Sweetness

If you prefer your Dole Whip a little sweeter or less sweet, feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener. Some people prefer using a zero-calorie sweetener like Stevia or Erythritol for an even lower-calorie dessert.

3. Add More Protein

To boost the protein content of the dessert, you can add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the blender along with the other ingredients. This will make the dessert more filling and help you stay satisfied for longer.

4. Make It Vegan

For a vegan version, simply use plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and substitute agave syrup for honey.

Conclusion

This WW-friendly Strawberry Dole Whip is a simple, refreshing, and healthier alternative to traditional ice cream or frozen yogurt. It’s made with just a few ingredients and is incredibly easy to prepare. Not only is it low in SmartPoints, but it’s also a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cool dessert on a warm day or serving it to friends and family, this Strawberry Dole Whip is a fun, tasty, and guilt-free treat that everyone will love.

So next time you’re craving something sweet, why not whip up this easy, WW-friendly Strawberry Dole Whip? You’ll get all the joy of the original treat, without the extra calories or SmartPoints. It’s a perfect way to indulge and stay on track with your goals!